A world on fire

Abstract

We live in a world on fire. In just the past few years, major wildland fires have struck at least 13 U.S. states, as well as Indonesia, Australia, China, southern Europe, Russia, Canada, Bolivia, and other parts of the world. Wildland fires are increasing in number, size, and intensity. In particular, there has been an increase in large fire events—megafires—that account for more than 90 percent of the total area burned. These megafires can cause catastrophic damage in terms of human casualties, economic losses, and environmental destruction. We project that the trend toward larger and more damaging fires will accelerate, driven by two main factors: climate change and fire suppression policy.

Citation

Olson, Robert L.; Bengston, David N. 2015. A world on fire. AAI Foresight Report 2; Spring/Summer. Freeland, WA: AAI Foresight. 16 p. http://www.aaiforesight.com/content/world-fire